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Post by apathy on Mar 26, 2013 17:29:14 GMT -5
BIG RED PICTURE
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Post by Jon on Mar 26, 2013 19:36:37 GMT -5
a little late to the above BSA discussion but I'm sure people here that are friends with me on facebook or otherwise know I'm all for it. Like Megan mentioned, the opportunities I've been given in scouting have really made me the person I am today, have been responsible for most of my friends, and some of my greatest memories. Keeping people from that for their orientation needs to be stopped and I'm thrilled it looks like it will sooner than later. So many of my scouting mentors/friends, including the one who inspired me to become as active in scouting as I did, have come out after their scouting experience and I would LOVE to see them be welcomed again.
The issue is a touchy one because a large majority of scouting's funding and support comes from churches. The LDS church, as they so often are in these situations, are a huge donor to scouting. Catholic churches and many other religions who are still stuck decades ago are also big donors. Theyre even bigger donors now that a lot of previous donors have been forced to end their involvement with scouting (THANKS ACLU!). I know this makes the executive committee of scouting nervous to possibly lose all this support. What needs to happen is that all these previous donors need to pledge to get back in if scouting changes their membership requirements. Basically put their money back where their mouth is. If scouting passes this but doesnt get the continued support of people asking for it, we could see a lot of support lost. Churches are by far the number one meeting place for troops and if a lot of those are lost, theyll need to get publicly owned meeting places back (that were mostly taken away THANKS ACLU!) and find other homes. I really hope the people putting the pressure on the BSA to change their policies plan on supporting a reformed BSA. If so, I'll be glad to see all those that are threatening to quit, do so.
Its unfortunate that it will likely come down to a financial decision but I feel as soon as the pro-gay donor/support exceeds the anti-gay donor/support, we'll see the change made. Ends justify the means I guess.
Sorry that was long winded so kudos if you read it, but its the first time I've typed it out in depth.
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